RSV and Dan Dou Chi

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) doesn’t grab as many headlines as COVID or the flu, but it’s an extremely common seasonal bug that nearly every child will catch during the first few years of life.

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In most people, RSV is manageable without medical attention, but a small number of people develop severe complications – mostly very young children, older adults, and people who either have chronic health problems or are immunocompromised.

RSV can be treated with medication, including over-the-counter medications. It can also be treated with Chinese herbs, with Dan Dou Chi serving as a popular option for pulmonary illnesses like RSV.

What are the Symptoms and Complications of RSV?

RSV infections can range greatly in severity. In most older children and adults, RSV may produce minimal symptoms that don’t merit medical attention – symptoms like a runny nose or a bout of diarrhea. A sore throat, sneezing and coughing are also common symptoms.

In a small number of RSV patients – the very young and very old predominantly – RSV may spread to the lower lungs and cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis. This may be accompanied by a fever, severe coughing and wheezing, breathing difficulties, irritability, and lethargy.

How Can Chinese Herbs Like Dan Dou Chi Help with RSV?

Dan Dou Chi is the Chinese term for soybeans prepared in a particular way – by steaming them with other Chinese herbs. It targets the lung and stomach, both of which can be affected by RSV.

Dan Dou Chi is a popular option for treating febrile (fever-causing) conditions, and is also known to help with irritability, restlessness, and chest discomfort. As such, it’s a useful herbal mixture for RSV and other acute pulmonary illnesses. Contacting your Houston primary care provider is a great first step.